WELCOME TO THE COLLECTIVE WORKS OF KATY MCMANUS

“Natalie Wood”

60X60 in frame

pastels & silver leaf on cicada wing paper mounted on canvas

-ON DISPLAY NOW AT BIRLI GALLERY & PRESS

-The Rusty Barrel 2024 Artist Competition Finalist

Natalie Wood, a celebrated actress, drowned under mysterious circumstances on November 29, 1981 at age 43. Initially ruled an accident, her death has been clouded by speculation, especially considering her reported aversion to water stemming from childhood trauma. That night she was aboard a yacht with her husband Robert Wagner & fellow actor Christopher Walken. Their inconsistent recollection leaves many unanswered questions, to this day 43 years later, about the events leading up to her tragic end. But this incident invites us to reflect on the hidden struggles individuals face beneath their public personas & in what ways might our unaddressed fears & vulnerabilities influence the decisions we make?

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“Alice”

60X60 in frame

pastels & copper/gold leaf on cicada wing paper mounted on canvas 

-ON DISPLAY NOW AT BIRLI GALLERY & PRESS

-The Rusty Barrel 2024 Artist Competition Finalist

In the late 1800s, hat maker Alice poured her heart into her craft but increased demand led her to use mercury, instead of hot teas for processing felt. This decision raised her prices to ten shillings & sixpence. Over time she experienced mood swings, uncontrollable laughter & forgetfulness, earning her the nickname “mad hatter” by the townsfolk. Now this phrase forever links her art to madness. Alice in Wonderland may be thinking, is the pursuit of beauty an inherent aspect of human nature or a social construct that leads to harmful behaviours?

“Mariposa”

60X60 in gilded frame

pastels & silver leaf on cicada wing paper mounted on canvas

-ON DISPLAY NOW AT BIRLI GALLERY & PRESS

-The Rusty Barrel 2024 Artist Competition Finalist

In a South American village, Mariposa twirled through the wildflowers. Contented but she yearned for romance believing it held the key to her creative transformation. One day, she encountered an artisan whose heart mirrored her own. As their souls intertwined Mariposa blossomed, becoming a radiant goddess of love. The villagers thrived, inspired by her example of finding beauty in connection. Is love merely a fleeting flutter or is it the essence that binds us all in the tapestry of existence?

“Maya”

40X50 in frame

pastels & gold leaf on cicada wing paper mounted on canvas 

-ON DISPLAY NOW AT BIRLI GALLERY & PRESS

-The Rusty Barrel 2024 Artist Competition Finalist

Maya wrote her dreams & nightmares on cicada wing paper, folding them into origami figures-cranes for hope, monsters for fear, crowns for ego & on occasion she would burn them. But when the moon was full she would gather her scraps of paper & take them to a stream. Maya would immerse herself & release them, watching as they drifted skyward, merging with the stars. This ritual felt like a conversation with the universe, illuminating the delicate balance between aspirations & anxiety. In our quest to accomplish our goals, realistic & impractical, do we risk being weighed down by the very fears we seek to escape or is it that both are essential to our humanity?

“Sekhmet”

60X60 in frame

pastels & silver leaf on cicada wing paper mounted on canvas 

Sekhmet is depicted as a woman with a lioness's head with a fierce gaze. She embodies warfare and healing, representing the destructive and protective aspects of power. Gold symbolizes divine beauty and immortality, often associated with Sekhmet. In ancient Egypt, It was viewed as the flesh of the gods, enhancing her significance and protective abilities. Worshippers presented gold to gain favor. What aspects of our lives do we seek protection for, and how do we honor the forces that shape our existence?

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“Alala”

40X50 in frame

pastels & silver leaf on cicada wing paper mounted on canvas

ON DISPLAY NOW AT BIRLI GALLERY & PRESS

In Indian folklore Alala represents the strength & resilience of women. She is celebrated as a protector, blessed by the gods with the ability to communicate with elephants. In her tales she rallies these majestic creatures to safeguard her village from invaders, embodying a powerful bond between women & nature. Alala's courage & bravery inspires unity in the face of adversity. Through her story we see the importance of guardianship & the strength found in taking pride in community. What does it mean to be a protector in our communities? How do we recognize that role in ourselves?

“Kaelin”

60X60 in frame

pastels & gold leaf on cicada wing paper mounted on canvas

ON DISPLAY NOW AT BIRLI GALLERY & PRESS

In a realm where courage is prized, the fierce warrior goddess Kaelin donned a helmet crafted from shimmering Koi fish scales, each iridescent scale symbolizing resilience & transformation. As she led her army to battle she noticed a wounded Koi struggling in a stream. Halting the march, she saved the fish, recognizing its quiet strength. In that moment of compassion she understood that true power lies not solely in dominance but in nurturing life. Turning to her troops, she posed the question: "Can the fiercest warrior find strength in mercy? Does true valor demand the unyielding hand of war?"

“Valdrigon”

40X50 in frame

pastels & gold leaf on cicada wing paper mounted on canvas

ON DISPLAY NOW AT BIRLI GALLERY & PRESS

 Valdrigon, once a fierce guardian of the planet's gold was now trapped, living as Siamese twins consumed by greed. Mistaking his protective hunger to maintain balance in the world, their thoughts swirled with insatiable desires for gold & power, plotting heists with feral glee. They siphoned wealth from the earth & countries fell into ruin. As they grew, they realized that each coin claimed darkened the world around them. Embracing their inner dragon they transformed avarice into enlightenment by sharing their riches & witnessing the world thrive. Can the fire of desire, once destructive, now ignite the flames of collective purpose? Where do we see that today?

“Nagini”

50X40 in frame

pastels & silver leaf on cicada wing paper mounted on canvas

Nagini was burdened by a curse that destined her to transform into a serpent permanently. Unlike Animagi, who can freely change forms, a Maledictus ultimately loses their ability to revert to human form, binding them to their fate. She roamed the world, savoring moments of freedom during her transformations while grappling with the fear of losing her humanity. She experienced the beauty of nature seeking connection, understanding & peace with her fate. Her tragic transformation mirrors humanity's eternal battle with identity, choice, and the darker aspects of existence.

“Ebi”

50X40 in frame

pastels & gold leaf on cicada wing paper mounted on canvas 

ON DISPLAY NOW AT BIRLI GALLERY & PRESS

Shrimp or Ebi in Japanese in this case refers to a moment where one may feel quite small & vulnerable. The prey of many predators yet, "Ebi" signifies "life" or "to be alive." There's a quiet strength when we feel at our lowest, never giving up. When negative things happen and we are made to feel lesser the only lower point is playing victim. To be alive is more than enough reason to never give up even if flies are circling & things seem grim.

“Kikimora Sisters”

60X60 in frame 

oils, pastels, copper  leaf on cicada wing paper mounted on canvas

ON DISPLAY NOW AT BIRLI GALLERY & PRESS

In Slavic folklore, the Kikimora sisters are mischievous sprites who summon wasp-like bugs to cause chaos. They dream of mayhem & mischief while sleeping for centuries, ready to unleash their pesky powers & play tricks on humans, making lives more interesting with a touch of whimsy & mayhem.

“Corvus”

68X127 

pastels & gold leaf on cicada wing paper mounted on single/double wooden headboard 

ON DISPLAY NOW AT BIRLI GALLERY & PRESS

In Greek mythology, sisters Parrhasia & Rosa, born to River God Alfeus & Nymph Arethusa, shared an extraordinary bond. Their beauty & devotion were deemed divine by the gods, immortalized in the constellation Corvus. The stars whisper secrets, symbolizing their telepathy and eternal love.

“Metanoia”

40X30 in frame

pastels & gold leaf on cicada wing paper mounted on canvas 

ON DISPLAY NOW AT BIRLI GALLERY & PRESS

Metanoia is a profound transformation or change in one's mind or heart, often involving a deep & personal conversion or shift in perspective. It means changing your routine, friend circle & extreme isolation. It means a lot of change quickly paired with blessings & curses. It originates from the Greek word "metanoia," meaning "change of mind" or "repentance." In a broader sense, it can refer to a fundamental shift in one's worldview or a significant personal awakening, which is the key to inner growth.

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“Kuda”

75X100

pastels & gold leaf on cicada wing paper mounted on canvas

ON DISPLAY NOW AT BIRLI GALLERY & PRESS

A woman leaves her island & urges her best friend, a horse named Kuda, into the chilly waters of the lake while clutching torn pages from her diary. Parchment documenting dreams & nightmares twist into origami animals that spring to life pursuing them. Heart racing, she ran alongside her steed, urging it faster against the shimmering surface. With each stroke of the horse's hooves, she could feel the weight of her past lifting even as the monsters drew nearer. Is it worth the risk of drowning ourselves & our most loyal companions into the depths of what we fear most, vulnerability?

“Olokun”

40X30 in frame

oils/pastels & gold leaf on cicada wing paper mounted on panel 

In Yoruba mythology, lioba is a mystical island of golden sands & waters & the domain of Olokun, goddess of the sea & wealth. Possessing "iloba" sand or water is believed to bring good fortune & prosperity. Olokun's powers control the tides & fertility, symbolizing spiritual growth & self-discovery. The island's journey represents one's inner path to self-realization & enlightenment. This legend inspires artistic expressions, philosophical discussions & spiritual quests worldwide. Is it the pursuit of fame, fortune or enlightenment that drives us ultimately?

“Echo”

40X30 in frame 

pastels, copper & silver leaf on cicada wing paper mounted on panel

ON DISPLAY NOW AT BIRLI GALLERY & PRESS

“Clara”

130X110

pastels & copper/silver leaf on cicada wing paper mounted on canvas 

ON DISPLAY NOW AT BIRLI GALLERY & PRESS

Clara rushed past flowers & bees as her mind raced with tasks. Always hurried by the changing seasons reflected in her demanding garden. She noticed a snail inching along a leaf, normally she would remove the pest but today, she noticed its delicate movements slow yet deliberate. Intrigued, Clara paused to watch then days passed & still the snail persisted. In less than a week the snail had eaten 1000 times its weight teaching her the art of patience. Inspired, Clara began to take her time, savoring moments instead of rushing through them. When is the last time you just sat in a garden?

“Kazekō”

30X30 in frame

pastels & gold/copper leaf on cicada wing paper mounted on panel

DARLINGTON ARTS FESTIVAL, EXHIBITION & AWARDS NOMINEE

Kazekō is a mystical being from

Japanese folklore born from an object possessed by a spirit. Legend goes Isukumogami are created when an object is imbued with spiritual energy over 100 years. They can take many forms & exhibit strange behaviors.

This phenomenon has captured Japanese culture for centuries inspiring tales of enchanted objects & mysterious beings. Tsukumogami are often seen as benevolent spirits who bring good fortune & protection to those who honor them. Kazeko can be found in your own home, held in any object handed down through the generations.

35X35

Charcoal & silver eaf on cicada wing paper mounted on canvas 

DARLINGTON ARTS FESTIVAL, EXHIBITION & AWARDS NOMINEE

Bai Qiute, a gifted painter, discovered a hidden lake of shimmering silver at dawn. Enchanted, she waded into the cool water, its surface reflecting her dreams & fears. As she swam, the lake enveloped her, transforming her spirit into a tapestry of colors. Each stroke of her brush created a world where joy & sorrow danced together—an eternal blend of silver & shadows. In our pursuit of brilliance, do we struggle to accept the darkness that gives it depth?

“Three Secrets of Fátima”

30X30 in frame 

oils/pastels on cicada wing paper mounted on panel

THE JURY ART PRIZE FINALIST 2024

In 1917, three young shepherd children, Lucia Santos and her cousins Jacinta & Francisco Marto, received visions & prophecies from a Marian apparition in Fátima, Portugal. The Virgin Mary visited them six times, between May & October of that year, bringing messages for the world.

“Ember”

50X28 in frame 

oils & pastels on cicada wing paper mounted on panel

MINNAWARRA ART AWARD FINALIST 2024

The codex, its parchment worn to a whisper, conceals cryptic contents. Its purpose & intentions unclear, it raises questions about suppressed knowledge or forgotten lore. Absence heightens fascination, inviting beholders to ponder mysteries within.

“Hitori”

30X30 in frame 

oils & pastels on cicada wing paper mounted on panel

CITY OF WANNEROO COMMUNITY ART AWARDS FINALIST 2024

In quiet solitude, I find solace in overlooked details, cultivating self-sufficiency & resilience by finding beauty in the mundane. I discover comfort in stillness, a testament to human capacity to thrive in isolation. In this quietude, I uncover strength, a sense of being sufficient on my own.

“Lada”

40X40 in frame 

oils & pastels on cicada wing paper mounted on pane

CITY OF GOSNELLS COMMUNITY ART AWARD NOMINEE 2024

Lada's enigmatic portrait weaves a mystique. A woman lost in a book with cryptic pages bearing 18. Wedding rings rain from the sky, but her own hand conceals a ring - a clue? Brushstrokes cast a spell of intrigue, leaving viewers to unravel Lada's secrets in a world of wonder & mystery.

“Harper”

30X30 in frame 

oils & pastels on cicada wing paper mounted on panel

Art is the soul's sustenance. Like the body's need for food, our minds & hearts crave its nourishment. It's a vital part of being human, providing a deep-seated hunger for beauty, meaning, & connection. We return to art again & again, seeking fulfillment.

“Pran”

30X30 in frame 

oils/pastels on cicada wing paper mounted on panel

"Pran", a whispered promise of life's essence, echoes through the soul's chambers. Gentle waves whisper forgotten moments, revealing her past. As her soul unfurls, it connects her to the life force within, awaiting rediscovery.

“Psyche”

30X30 in frame 

oils/pastels on cicada wing paper mounted on panel

In "Psyche", I transport viewers to a surreal world where memories & emotions are tangible. A woman reorganizes origami animals crafted from letters beneath the ocean's surface, evoking contemplation on secrets kept and the weight of inner worlds. The tides could shift, stirring up secrets meant to remain hidden.

“Carline”

40X40 in frame 

oils/pastels on cicada wing paper mounted on panel

In Carline's presence, the air thickens with anticipation. Her being is a vortex, drawing you in with otherworldly gravity. The space around her seems to vibrate with unspoken power, as if secrets of the universe reside within her realm. Entering her orbit, you're enveloped by mystery & transformed forever.

“Phoenix & Von”

40X40 in frame 

oils/pastels on cicada wing paper mounted on panel

Two brothers, bonded by curiosity, find themselves half-stuck in the waters of understanding. One struggles to free himself, while the other gently guides him back to solid ground. They reflect on their journey, learning from joys, challenges, and setbacks. With caution, they access remaining knowledge, using experience to inform their path ahead.

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